Lauren Trantham recorded a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds against Central Michigan

CINCINNATI, Ohio (Dec. 7, 2003) - The East Tennessee State Lady Bucs outshot and outrebounded Central Michigan in the consolation game of the Provident Bank Invitational hosted by Xavier University, but could not overcome 22 turnovers as the Chippewas prevailed, 52-49, from the Cintas Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
East Tennessee State (0-5) shot 32.6 percent (15-46) from the floor, compared to just 24.5 percent (13-53) for CMU (2-3). The Lady Bucs dominated the glass, pulling down 45 rebounds while Central Michigan had 29. The Lady Buc rebounding effort was led by senior forward Lauren Trantham (Asheville, N.C.) who had a season-high 15 boards.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, featuring 11 ties and 11 lead changes. The game was tied at 22 at the half, but both teams played much better in the second half, as ETSU shot 44 percent (10-23) from the floor and CMU shot 32 percent (9-28). The Chippewas iced the game with seven seconds to play when guard Chasidy Myers nailed two free throws to provide the final margin. Central Michigan was almost perfect from the free-throw line, hitting 24-of-26 from the stripe while ETSU converted on 19-of-27 attempts.
Trantham recorded a double-double on the afternoon, also scoring a season-high 15 points. With her 15 rebounds, she now has 681 for her career, surpassing former Lady Bucs Missy Marvin and Marsha Cowart for eighth-place on the ETSU all-time list. Trantham also added game-highs with three blocked shots and three assists, while tying for the team lead with two steals. Senior guard Kiya Verdell (Hartwell, Ga.) and freshman guard Brooke Wilhoit (Sevierville, Tenn.) also added two steals each. Wilhoit pulled down a season-high seven rebounds.
Junior forward Tiffani Mayes (Sumter, S.C.) also turned in another strong performance with 13 points and nine rebounds.
Central Michigan was led by guard Erin Kuhl, who had a game-high 16 points while forwards Casey Manning (11) and Lindsay Mecoli (10) also scored in double-digits.
The Lady Bucs will now return home for their home-opener Saturday afternoon against SoCon rival UNC Greensboro. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. from Brooks Gym in Johnson City, Tenn.